"Do 'affordable' and 'sushi' fit in the same sentence? The time for affordable sushi is either lunch or happy hour and both can be found at the new Ogawashi (1100 Fifth Ave., downtown. 619-358-9170 or ogawashi.com). They offer a variety of pairings with a good variety of craft cocktails." — Randee Stratton, real estate broker, avid diner

"Be wary of discount sushi like you are with discount surgery … . I am much more cautious now when I eat sushi and sashimi. Harney Sushi (Oceanside and Old Town locations; harneysushi.com) is very commendable in changing its menu to only sustainable fish. Let’s face it, people, if we don’t change our practices, we will be explaining to our grandchildren what 'fish' were." — Ricardo Heredia, executive chef at Alchemy Restaurant

"In my mind affordable and exquisite sushi are not often seen together — sorry Sushi Deli, not a fan. Some of my local “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” best bets include Azuki Sushi (2321 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. 619-238-4760 or azukisushi.com). You’ll want the omakase (chef’s choice) menu prepared by Chef Nanami. Chef Maru at Taka Sushi (555 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. 619-338-0555 or takasushi.com) is another sure-fire win for amazing omakase plates. I’ve seen him at Catalina Offshore Products, hand selecting and inspecting each and every one of the live spot prawns he was serving that night. Both those chefs are so gracious and have such passion for their chosen craft. Big respect." — Andrew Spurgin, consulting chef and event architect, andrewspurgin.com

"Hane Sushi (2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. 619-260-1411) may not be affordable, but it’s certainly exquisite. Just thinking about their delectable sashimi is making me salivate as I write this sentence. For satisfying sushi that won’t break the bank, I like Izakaya Masa (928 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills. 619-542-1354 or izakayamasa.com). Most of their sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri are priced under $10 including spider sushi roll made with soft shell crab tempura, avocado, and caviar. Beat that. — Susan Russo, food writer, cookbook author (Twitter @Susan_Russo)

"Most people don’t think of The Fish Market (various locations, thefishmarket.com). To my taste, it has the best sushi bar in town. If truth be told, most sushi restaurants in town are supplied by the same few suppliers. The Fish Market has their own suppliers and serve some of the freshest sushi at a reasonable price. I love their Duckett’s Bucket, spicy scallops wrapped with maguro (tuna)." — Charles Kaufman, baker, owner of Bread & Cie Café (Twitter @BreadAndCie)

"With close to 40 Yelp check-ins on my phone app for Kappa Sushi, it goes to show you how much we love going there. I’ve mentioned Kappa a few other times in past surveys, but when we go and have a random craving for whatever it may be, we know that Ray, Eric, Cat and Myles would 'Iron Chef' it and prepare some awesome pieces for us." — Joanne Arellano, human resources professional, avid Yelper, avid diner

"Affordable yet exquisite can be tough to find, but you’ll get both at Azuki Sushi (2321 Fifth Ave., 619-238-4760, asukisushi.com) in Bankers Hill. I particularly enjoy hitting that spot for lunch. Of course, if price is no option, one would do well to head a few blocks south to Hane Sushi (2760 Fifth Ave., #105, 619-260-1411), where the freshness of the sea fare and the deftness of the skilled hands manipulating it is next to unmatched." — Brandon Hernández, food writer (Twitter @offdutyfoodie)

"I personally love Zenbu sushi in Cardiff, love the Pill Box! Super nice atmosphere and cool people, sometimes a little less stuffy than its sister restaurant in La Jolla but equally expensive, all worth the big bucks though and the trip up north." — Fabrice Poigin, private chef, restaurant consultant

"Ever since the owners of Ono Sushi decided to close their doors I’ve been searching for my new go-to sushi bar that serves quality sushi at an economical price in a setting that has some good energy. I still haven’t found my ideal spot where I feel at home, but Azuki Sushi on Fifth Avenue in Bankers Hill serves quality sushi, creative rolls and has a great energy most nights of the week. An added incentive to check this place out is the Azuki Sushi back patio, a great little spot on warm nights located at the top of the stairs in the back of the restaurant, a hidden spot you can’t see from the street." — David Salisbury, a law firm’s director of business development, avid diner